PORTLAND, Ore. -- LeBron James' debut for the Los Angeles Lakers opened with two thunderous dunks and closed with a loss.
He finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds, but the Portland Trail Blazers prevailed 128-119 Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.
James insisted the new-look Lakers were going to be a work in progress.
"It's not instant oatmeal. It's not that fast," James said. "It takes some time to get that chemistry where you can just close your eyes and know exactly where guys are."
Damian Lillard had 28 points and Nik Stauskas came off the bench to score 24 for Portland, which won its 18th straight home opener to extend an NBA record.